Feb 5, 2013

The Baby Boom generation has redefined aging. They are longer-lived, healthier, and more health-conscious, than the prior generation. Isn't that the common wisdom?

A new study seems to put the lie to that. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association's Internal Medicine, the study found that in significant ways, those born between 1947 and 1964 are less healthy than the generation before them and after them. Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol are some of the key problems. Highlights of the study:

14% of Boomers have some kind of limitation that prevents them from doing tasks like mowing or climbing stairs. Only 8.8% of the generation preceding them had similar problems at the same age.

7% of Boomers are using a cane to assist with walking. Only 3% of the prior generation needed a cane at the same age.

75% of Boomers have high blood pressures; only 35% of the prior generation did at the same age.

A whopping 36% of Baby Boomers are obese; the number is 25% among the prior generation.

The researchers at the University of West Virginia School of Medicine who authored the study conclude: : "Medication use has definitely increased, so we are propping ourselves up on our canes and our medicines. We are becoming over dependent on medications and surgical solutions rather than creating our own good health."

Many of my Florida estate planning clients come to me because of ill health that creates all kinds of legal and financial problems for them and their families. Of course, not every medical problem can be prevented or cured with a healthy lifestyle; let's face it, luck has a lot to do with it. But most of us can do a lot to move the odds in our favor. So let's pitch the potato chips, get off the couch and do whatever possible to ensure the quality of our lives matches the quantity.

No comments:

Visit Our Website!

About Florida Certified Elder Law Attorney Joseph S. Karp

Attorney Joseph S. Karp assists Florida residents and their families with trusts and wills, estate planning, disability planning, long-term care planning for home care and nursing home care, Medicaid and Veterans benefits, planning for special needs children and adults, and probate and trust administration. Recognized as a 2014 Florida "SuperLawyer" and Florida Trend's 2013 "Legal Elite," Mr. Karp is the founder of The Karp Law Firm, with offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach and Port St. Lucie, Florida. He is among the few Florida lawyers certified in Elder Law by both the Florida Bar and the National Elder Law Foundation. He has practiced law in Florida since 1977 and is also admitted to practice in New York. Learn more about the Karp Law Firm team and services at The Karp Law Firm Website. or call us at 800-893-9911.